Union warns of 'widespread disruption' as crane strike announced

Unite has announced a 24 hour strike on 8 September over a pay dispute with the UK’s largest tower crane operator HTC Wolffkran, part of German crane giant Wolffkran.

The union’s members voted for strike action after saying the firm refused to continue pay negotiations.

In March Unite said over 50 crane drivers unanimously rejected a 3% pay offer.

The union warned of “widespread disruption” across construction sites, including Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium.

Unite national officer for construction Jerry Swain said: “Despite seeking fresh talks to avoid strike action, we have been unable to reach a satisfactory agreement and therefore have no option but to take strike action.

“Our members are simply not in a position to meekly accept an imposed pay increase, which is a pay cut in real terms compared to the current rate of RPI. This so called increase is in effect a substantial reduction when compared to the increases that workers are receiving in the industry.”

HTC Wolffkran was formed after it acquired PC Harrington Group’s HTC crane division, HTC Plant Ltd, nearly two years ago.

The £40m-turnover business comprises a fleet of over 200 Wolff tower cranes and 370 staff.